Things To Do

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Your ultimate guide to the best things to do along the iconic Highway 1. Immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of the California coast, from the grandeur of Hearst Castle to lazy beach-side hamlets. Discover hidden gems, encounter diverse wildlife, and indulge in the region’s vibrant art and culture. Let this comprehensive resource be your compass for an unforgettable road trip adventure.

Featured Attractions

Hearst Castle

Cayucos Pier

Oceano Dunes

Piedras Blancas Lighthouse

Activities

Best Things to Do

Arts & Culture

Beaches

Biking

Fishing

Golfing

Hiking

Shopping

Surfing

Wildlife Viewing

Farmer’s Markets

Spas & Wellness

All Things to Do

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  • Cambria State Park And Marine Protected Area

    Cambria State Park And Marine Protected Area

    Cambria
    On Cambria’s northern edge, Leffingwell Landing begs visitors to sit and enjoy the beautiful scenery. The park offers BBQ pits, short hiking trails, a scenic lookout, boat ramp and restrooms.
  • State Parks and Beaches of San Simeon

    State Parks and Beaches of San Simeon

    San Simeon
    Visit Hearst Castle along with its neighboring San Simeon state parks and beaches, and experience the very best of the Central Coast.
  • State Parks and Beaches of the Central Coast

    State Parks and Beaches of the Central Coast

    Highway 1
    From Ragged Point to Nipomo, you’ll find unspoiled beaches, quiet woodlands, marine protected areas, art, antiquities, and driveable dunes.
  • Kayaking and Paddleboarding in Avila Beach Stewardship Travel Logo

    Kayaking and Paddleboarding in Avila Beach

    Avila Beach
    Avila Beach sits on a protected cove that boasts slightly warmer temperatures and calmer conditions, both on land and sea. More often than not, launching out in Avila Beach means sunshine, glassy waters, and a clear view from Point Sal to Point San Luis.
  • Point San Luis Lighthouse Stewardship Travel Logo

    Point San Luis Lighthouse

    Avila Beach
    Founded in 1890, Point San Luis Lighthouse has saved many lives in its time, and remains a beacon over San Luis Bay. Visit a piece of history on Highway 1.
  • Seaweed Foraging Tours Stewardship Travel Logo

    Seaweed Foraging Tours

    Cayucos
    This is an intimate and educational experience that is always family friendly.
  • Hot Springs in Avila Beach Stewardship Travel Logo

    Hot Springs in Avila Beach

    Avila Beach
    For generations, the natural hot springs of Avila Beach have provided relief and relaxation to visitors from far and wide. Want to soak your stress away? Find pure bliss in two legendary Avila Beach Hot Springs.
  • Bird Watching on the Central Coast

    Bird Watching on the Central Coast

    Los Osos
    Ideal climate, terrain, and proximity to the Pacific Flyway makes the SLO CAL stretch of Highway 1 one of the finest birding regions in the world.
  • Gateway to Big Sur

    Gateway to Big Sur

    Ragged Point
    Big Sur represents the best of the West. As one of the nation’s top attractions, Big Sur sparkles with vast views of the Pacific.
  • Sea Otter Spotting Stewardship Travel Logo

    Sea Otter Spotting

    Morro Bay
    Cute, furry, and playful, Southern Sea Otters make their homes just offshore along the SLO CAL stretch of Highway 1. Sea otters are native to the north Pacific Ocean, with Monterey Bay, Big Sur, and the Central Coast as hubs of activity.
  • Nipomo Golf Courses

    Nipomo Golf Courses

    Nipomo
    Whether you seek lessons from a pro, a putting green, driving range, or just a quiet day on the links, Nipomo has options to suit your swing.
  • Horseback Riding

    Horseback Riding

    Oceano
    Riding a horse amidst the beauty of coastal San Luis Obispo County can be a transforming experience. Get saddled up and discover a whole new perspective on our special stretch of Highway 1, from equestrian trails to vineyards.
  • Oceano Train Depot Stewardship Travel Logo

    Oceano Train Depot

    Oceano
    A critical historic site for the development of San Luis Obispo County, the Oceano Train Depot now stands as a museum and community center.
  • Avila Beach Sailing & Whale Watching

    Avila Beach Sailing & Whale Watching

    San Luis Obispo
    We are a small family run business that is passionate about sharing the beauty and exceptional wildlife of San Luis Bay, a hidden gem on the Central Coast of California.
  • Central Coast Polar Bear Dips

    Central Coast Polar Bear Dips

    Cayucos
    The SLO CAL stretch of Highway 1 boasts two “polar bear dips” on the first day of the year, both of which are beloved traditions.
  • Hearst Castle Holidays

    Hearst Castle Holidays

    San Simeon
    Hearst Castle brings to life his love of all things Christmas, and invites you to join in the spirit of the season!
  • Cambria Christmas Market

    Cambria Christmas Market

    Cambria
    The Cambria Christmas Market features open-air stalls selling glühwein (hot mulled wine), traditional German foods, local vendors, and live entertainment.
  • Cambria Scarecrow Festival

    Cambria Scarecrow Festival

    Cambria
    The annual Scarecrow Festival includes plenty of fall festivities, including a trail of handmade scarecrows displayed throughout the town’s East and West Villages.